So after some delay because I had to participate in our country's democratic process I finally finished Coldplay today. I did make a mistake and listen to several songs on X&Y out of order. According to the rules I went back and re-listened to the full album and am now in compliance.
I certainly don't have to tell you that Coldplay is great. So here is an album ranking up front. This was much harder than I thought because all the studio albums are pretty incredible and pretty equal. So here goes and let me know if you agree
- X&Y- I think this is the most complete album of the four
- A Rush of Blood to the Head
- Parachutes
- Viva La Vida
- Clocks
- Speed of Sound
- Amsterdam
- Viva La Vida
- Square One
- Fix You
I should know about Mr. Paltrow's stage presence from personal experience. I went to see Codplay in the summer of 2006 at Nissan Pavilion in Northern VA. Unfortunately because of the traffic hell hole that is 66 it took us over 2 and a half hours for what is normally a 40 min drive. We made it to the show while they were finishing their 2nd to last song. We went with a group of friends and when we they informed us they were playing their last song before the encore we all decided, F it, we're going home. No need to sit in the car for another 2 plus hours. So technically I've been to a Coldplay concert but only seen them perform one song... White Shadows just in case you were wondering and we did hear them playing Fix You from the parking lot. I hate you 66.
Of course whenever I think about Chris Martin I of course think about Gweneth. And when I think about Gweneth I think about Sliding Doors. Great flick.
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As promised: review of the ATL Coldplay concert. Preface to say that the 2006 show was the best concert I have ever seen, beating U2... so my expectations may be too high
ReplyDeleteIts weird that they aren't wearing their Branch Davidian all-black wardrobe. Colors on Chris Martin while he dances, make him look more like a court jester than an eccentric artist. (Bender reference is good too)
It was a good concert, but not great. Part of it is the fact that I just don't like Viva la Vida that much, though many of the songs were far better in person.
That said, after 'Fix You' I turned to one of the guys I was with and said, "That song was worth the $80."
Set list and comments:
# Life In Technicolor: assumed this would open the show
# Violet Hill: Fun, got the crowd going, cool lasers
# Clocks: more lasers
# In My Place: kind of a snooze
# Speed Of Sound: I've never liked this song that much. I want to, I just don't
# Cemeteries Of London: VERY good live. A surprise
# 42: bathroom/beer break
# Fix You: highlight of the show. Clearly Coldplay's 'where the streets have no name'
# Strawberry Swing: just like album
# God Put A Smile Upon Your Face: Very cool here, they can a little disco stage in the audience that high lights underneath and all four barely fit. Drums were on an electric kit and the song sounded like a remix.
# Talk: okay
# The Hardest Part: snooze
# Postcards From Far Away: bathroom
# Viva La Vida: excellent
# Lost!: again one of the new songs that's very good live
# Politik: good
# Lovers In Japan: a nice surprise, also good live
# Death And All His Friends: I love the end of this song
Encore
# Yellow: kind of lame they only did one song at the end. Show was over in just over an hour and a half.
Ween- Thanks for the review. I wish I had seen them on this tour. I am concerned that you had to take two bathroom break's during the 1.5 hour show, but I hope that means there were a couple of beers involved with that.
ReplyDeleteFix You at #6 and Yellow doesn't make the top Coldplay songs? Hmmmm...I think I'll make my own list of favorites and see how it compares to yours. I do, however, agree that Chris Martin looked completely awkward on SNL. I think his flailing about works better on a big arena stage.
ReplyDeleteHaley was there. The last two just showed up on their own. Good to know somethings don't change.
ReplyDeleteHalle- Glad to see someone else is actually reading the blog. I do agree that Fix You could be higher and Yellow should at least be there. I had a really hard time ranking albums and songs since they are are all so good.
ReplyDeleteOh yes. I'm greatly enjoying your challenge. :)I once tried to listen to all the songs in my iTunes in alphabetical order, but gave up about halfway through because I missed listening to some songs and knew it would be months before I'd get to hear them again. I'm impressed that you're sticking with it and going in order by band/artist.
ReplyDeleteCraig and I are going to see them in Atlanta next week, so Warner's review makes me both excited and nervous. But I love Viva la Vida, second best album from top to bottom for me, after X&Y...so maybe we'll like it better. Love the blog, Gravey. Thinking about doing it with mine, but as I have a Shuffle, I'd be done by Sunday. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you're selling the new CD short. "Lost!" is an awesome song.
ReplyDelete